"Caesar's Turn" Matthew 22:15-22
Delivered to Smith Chapel UMC on October 19, 2008
Part One
Part Two
What I Didn't Say
Voting--It's amazing to me how few people vote in almost any election. Once, many years ago, I ran for a position on the School Board in my little home town. I asked a guy in my church for his vote and was shocked when he told me he wouldn't do that. It turned out he never registered to vote and wouldn't. His reasoning was that he believed if he did, he would have to pay back taxes. As a young Christian at the time, I found it hard to believe another Christian would take that position. It wouldn't surprise me today, but I learned something then that has stuck with me for a long time.
Election--By the way, I lost that election by sixteen votes. That ended my political career. Glory to God!
Taxes--My tax evading Christian friend shocked me because I took Jesus' words to heart. "Render unto Caesar..." But deep inside, I think I was more annoyed than shocked. It annoyed me that he wouldn't register to vote so he could cast a ballot in my direction. My problem was the same as his. I was selfish. I was only thinking of myself just as he was only thinking of himself. Shame on both of us.
